Good or bad, it's all a blessing.

 　　In modern Chinese history, Master Hongyi, Li Shutong, was undoubtedly a remarkable and legendary figure. His twenty years of literary works astonished the nation, showcasing his talents in poetry, calligraphy, painting, seal carving, music, drama, and literature, pioneering many aspects of China's brilliant culture and art. Later, he devoted himself to Buddhism, deeply studying Vinaya (Buddhist monastic rules), and was revered by Buddhist disciples as the eleventh patriarch of the Vinaya school, becoming a typical example of someone who, after achieving great brilliance, ultimately returned to simplicity. As Mr. Zhao Puchu commented: "Endless treasures for the world to see, a full moon shines in the heart of heaven."

　　In the autumn of 1925, due to the war, Li Shutong was stranded at Qita Temple in Ningbo. During this time, at the invitation of his friend Xia Mianzun, he stayed at Xia's home for a while. One noon, the cook added too much salt, making the food so salty that it numbed everyone's tongue, and no one could swallow it. However, Li Shutong ate with relish, leisurely enjoying himself, as if he were savoring a delicacy. Xia Mianzun, unable to bear it any longer, asked with concern, "Don't you think a dish of pickled vegetables is too salty? Don't you think a glass of plain water is too bland?"

　　"Not at all," Li Shutong smiled faintly, "Salty has its own flavor; bland has its own charm. In my opinion..." In one sentence, he revealed his profound understanding of life.

　　Coincidentally, one year, on the vast Atlantic Ocean, a cruise ship bound for England was unfortunately struck by a severe storm. The ship rocked violently, and the situation was extremely dangerous. The passengers ran around in panic like headless flies. In the chaos, they were surprised to find an elderly man with white hair sitting calmly on the ground, praying, his expression serene and composed, as if unaware of the approaching death.

　　Finally, the storm subsided, and the ship regained its stability. At this moment, someone stepped forward and asked, "Madam, didn't you think we were very unlucky just now?"

　　"No!" the old woman smiled gently. "You know, I have two beloved daughters. My eldest daughter has passed away, and my youngest daughter is studying in England. I miss them very much. Just now, I told myself that if the ship wrecks, I will go to heaven to be with my eldest daughter; if God blesses the ship and it is safe, I will continue to London to visit my youngest daughter. So you see—" The old woman spread her hands calmly and said, "No matter the outcome, for me, good or bad, it's all a kind of happiness!"

　　Two different stories, yet the same answer. "Good or bad, it's all a blessing"—these simple five words reveal the true meaning of life.

　　In the world of Li Shutong and the old woman, everything is good. Whether it's salty or bland, life or death, they are all just states of being. As long as one can always maintain optimism and composure, one can always have a bright mood and a beautiful life.

　　Thinking about it carefully, life is inherently a combination of sweet and sour, bitter and spicy—bitterness within sweetness, and sweetness within bitterness. Life's path is always uneven and rugged; only by crossing ravines can we find smooth roads, and only after weathering storms can we see rainbows. The key is whether, when faced with sudden setbacks and disappointments, we can confront them with a calm and optimistic heart, finding warmth in the gloom and light in the darkness. In this way, even in the mundane, we can savor sweetness; even on a path strewn with thorns, we can forge our own path in life.